This article is based on a story originally published in It Is Innovation (i3) magazine, published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®.
Overview
Retailers are experimenting with using robots to improve customer engagement by make shopping more convenient, experiential and personalized.
From humanoid robots that greet shoppers to robots that sort and scan new inventory in the warehouse, retailers are looking for ways to deliver the best in-store experience.
In-Store Customer Service
Retailers are trying out robots to engage with customers in stores, and so far the robots are being used to do the following:
Store Management
By freeing up staff from tasks that can be automated, retailers are giving them more time to assist shoppers. Robots are being used to help with more mundane tasks like the following:
Moving Inventory
Retailers face pressure for supply chains to perform flawlessly, efficiently and transparently, and they’re exploring how robots can help automate the ecosystem. Some of the largest U.S. retailers are using robots in their warehouses for the following:
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Order fulfillment.
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Scan and sort items.
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Retrieve requested inventory.
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Looking ahead, teamwork between robots and humans will help retailers cut costs while increasing traffic and driving sales in stores.
Dive deeper with case studies by reading "Robots Transforming Retail" in i3 magazine.